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Earl I. Prigge, 95

B.Sunday, April 27, 1919D.Friday, May 30, 2014

Earl I. Prigge, age 95, of Zumbrota, died on Friday, May 30, at the Zumbrota Health Services.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 2, at Christ Lutheran Church in Zumbrota, with Pastor Wayne D. Schoch officiating. Burial will be in Zumbrota Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home - Larson Chapel in Zumbrota, and on Monday, one hour prior to the service at the church.

Earl Irwin Prigge was born on April 27, 1919, on the family farm at White Willow, Zumbrota Township, Goodhue County, Minn., to Fred and Selma (nee Kopplin) Prigge.

Earl was baptized at St. John's Lutheran Church - Minneola on June 1, 1919. He was confirmed on July 24, 1932, at Christ Lutheran Church in Zumbrota, where he still was a member.

Earl was the third generation farmer on the Prigge Family Farm until his retirement in 1986, when he and Laureen moved to Zumbrota. Besides being a successful farmer, Earl was a fisherman, hunter, electrician, carpenter, horticulturist and statesman.

He served as an officer for the Zumbrota Township board from 1957-1970. Prior to that he had served on the school board for the local country school until its consolidation with the Zumbrota School District. He served on the PTA board of the Zumbrota Public School and was very active in the Goodhue County Farm Bureau all his farming years.

Over his lifetime Earl volunteered his time, knowledge and expertise to many organizations. For many years he was a member of civic organizations including the Zumbrota Lions Club, 65/50 Club and the Zumbrota Gun Club.

He was a well-known political figure in Goodhue County, culminating with his 16 years as Goodhue County Commissioner from 1970-1986.

At Christ Lutheran he served on the church council several times and was always willing to donate his time and talents with any large project where workers were needed.